Fluorescent lighting assembly

ABSTRACT

A fluorescent lighting assembly is disclosed which comprises a fluorescent lamp and a pair of socket members. The first of said socket members has a base member, a movable member, a backcover, and at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned therein. A resilient means positioned substantially between the backcover and movable member permits this member rotatable movement during initial insertion by a terminal end of the lamp. A base member for the fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.

United States Patent [191 Barre et al.

[ Sept. 17, 1974 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY [75] Inventors: Wade E. Barre, Warren; Robert S. Orbanic, East Warren, both of Pa.

[73] Assignee: GTE Sylvania Incorporated,

Stamford, Conn.

[22] Filed: Mar. 5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 337,949

[52] US. Cl. 339/56, 339/206 L [51] Int. Cl I-I0lr 33/08 [58] Field ofSearch 339/50-57, 128,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,393,616 l/l946 DeReamer et al 339/55 2,502,994 4/1950 Richardson 339/56 2,513,126 6/1950 Williams 339/525 2,606,225 8/1952 Pistey 339/55 2,716,738 8/1955 Pistey 339/525 3,701,081 10/1972 Jayne et al 339/53 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,092,510 4/1955 France 339/55 464,805 5/1950 Canada 339/56 615,524 1/1949 Great Britain 339/56 Primary ExaminerPaul R. Gilliam Assistant Examiner-Terrell P. Lewis Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Norman J. OMalley; Donald R. Castle; William H. McNeill [5 7] ABSTRACT A fluorescent lighting assembly is disclosed which comprises a fluorescent lamp and a pair of socket members. The first of said socket members has a base member, a movable member, a backcover, and at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned therein. A resilient means positioned substantially between the backcover and movable member permits this member rotatable movement during initial insertion by a terminal end of the lamp. A base member for the fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.

17 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEPI H974 SHEET 1 [IF 2 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to lighting assemblies and more particularly to lighting assemblies for fluorescent lamps which utilize a pair of opposingly positioned sockets. This invention even further relates to the above-described lighting assemblies in which one of the sockets is movable.

In many prior art fluorescent lighting assemblies, the fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of bases each having dual cylindrically shaped pins protruding therefrom. These pins are most usually inserted into corresponding receiving areas within the socket, after which they are twisted or similarly moved to effect engagement with the metallic contacts therein. Two examples of sockets of this variety are illustrated in US. Pat. Nos. 3,285,560 (J. M. Pistey) and 3,651,445 (W. R. Francis). A particular shortcoming of this type of socket is the requirement for twisting the lamp to effect contact. Movement of this nature can result in both excessive wear and damage to both socket and fluorescent lamp. Another form of lamp-socket engagements are illustrated in US. Pat. Nos. 2,283,454 and 3,116,098. Herein, the connections are accomplished primarily by providing at least one socket which is depressable either by hand or by the lamp itself during lamp insertion. While these arrangements substantially eliminate the necessity for twisting the lamp, they do not provide the desired side or edge wipe" feature between pin and contact characteristics of many of the twisting variety assemblies.

It is believed therefore, that a fluorescent lighting assembly which provides a wiping type engagement between the terminal ends of the fluorescent lamp and the metallic contacts within the socket while eliminating the necessity for twisting the lamp to effect contact would be an advancement in the art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a fluorescent lighting assembly-which allows maximum ease of insertion of a fluorescent lamp into the sockets of the assembly.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fluorescent lighting assembly which provides a sound electrical connection between the terminal ends of the lamp and the metallic contacts within the sockets.

It is an even further object of this invention to provide a new and unique fluorescent lamp for the abovementioned lighting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric of the fluorescent lighting assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of one of the bases of the fluorescent lamp illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, in section, as taken along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4-6 are side elevational views illustrating the method for inserting the fluorescent lamp into the sockets of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects, advantages,

and capabilities thereof, reference is made to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection with the above-described drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there are shown the components which comprise the present invention, fluorescent lighting assembly 11. The assembly comprises a double ended electric dischargelamp 13 and a pair of opposedly positioned sockets 15 and 17. Lamp 13, of the fluorescent variety, comprises a tubular glass envelope l9 and a pair of substantially similar lamp bases 21 and 21' each respectively positioned at one end of the lamp. As shown in FIG. 1, base 21 comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped cap member 23, an electrically insulative member 25 having a plurality of protruding portions 27 extending therefrom, said protruding portions 27 defining at least two open channels 29. Positioned within each of channels 29 is a portion 31 of an electrically conductive tabular member 33 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

Each base of lamp 13 is adapted for engaging one of the sockets in such a manner that portions 31 will contact and provide an electrical connection with the metallic contacts within the socket. The procedure required for accomplishing the insertion of lamp 13 into sockets 15 and 17 will be more adequately defined with the description of FIGS. 4-6.

Sockets l5 and 17, as illustrated in FIG. 1, together comprise the lampholder assembly as defined by one embodiment of the present invention. Socket 15 comprises a housing member 35 which has at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion 37 therein. In FIG. two rounded portions 37 are shown, each of which align with and engage corresponding recessed portions 39 in a movable member 41 when socket 15 is assembled. This assembly, as well as the movement of movable member 41 during lamp insertion is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Housing member 35 is also shown to comprise two additional protruding rounded areas 38 therein, the purpose of which will be later explained.

Movable member 41 comprises a body 43 of electrically insulative material which is formed to provide asubstantially open area 45 therein. Within open area 45 is located a pair of rounded protrusions 47, positioned respectively above a pair of opening 49. Openings 49 exist into base receiving area 51 of movable member 41. Located within a lower part of open area 45 is a substantially cylindrically shaped depression 53 which receives a resilient means, illustrated as a spring 55. Movable member 41 is also shown to comprise a pair of upstanding sides 57 each of which are provided with a rounded portion 59 and a retaining tab 61 thereon.-

ing member 35 of the assembled socket 15. In additionto first and second ends 65 and 67, each contact has a;

centrally located elongated portion 69 which is formed at both ends with angled portions 71 and 73, respectively.

A backcover 75 is also shown in FIG. I as comprising one of the components of socket 15. Located on backcover 75 is a pair of inwardly formed depressions 77 in which rounded portions 59 of movable member 41 are seated upon final assembly of socket 15. A substantially cylindrical recess 79 is provided on backcover 75 for receiving the other end of spring 55 and an opening 81 is also provided through which fastening means 83 is passed to engage hole 85 in housing 35. Fastening means 83, illustrated as a compressive pin, also passes through hole 85 after which one end 87 is deformed. This deformation of end 87 as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 is the preferred means for retaining the various components of socket in assembled form.

Assembly of socket 15 may be achieved by initially positioning angled portions 73 of contacts 63 on rounded protrusions 47 of movable member 41. This member is then aligned with housing member 35 in order that angled portion 71 of contacts 63 will position on corresponding protruding rounded areas 38 of the housing member. Once positioned, the contacts are retained by retaining tabs 61 of the movable member which act against elongated portions 69 of the contacts. Spring 55 is next positioned in depression 53 and backcover 75 is aligned in order that depressions 77 mate with rounded portions 59 and recess 79 engages the unseated end of spring 55. Fastening means 83 is then positioned through opening 81 and hole 85 respectively, and end 87 is deformed. Assembly of socket 15 is now complete. It is to be remembered that means other than a compressive pin may be successfully utilized to accomplish the above-described assembly. Various glues or cements, for example, are readily applicable to the above procedure and could satisfactorily be employed. For intended purposes however, utilization of the fastening means as illustrated is preferred.

To engage base 21 of lamp 13, socket 17 is provided and comprises a housing member 89, a pair of metallic contacts 63', a backcover 91, and a fastening means 83'. Contacts 63' and fastening means 83' are given the same number value with a prime designation as corresponding components in socket 15, the reason being that these components are substantially similar to those as described. As can be appreciated, providing components which are similar in both function and design facilitates reduction in manufacturing costs and interchangeability within the assembly, a desirable feature of the present invention.

Socket 17 is assembled in much the same manner as socket 15. As shown, socket 17 comprises the stationary end of the lampholder assembly and does thereby not require the additional components of a movable member and resilient means as did socket 15. Assembly is therefore achieved by simply positioning contacts 63' on corresponding protrusions (illustrated in FIGS. 4-6), aligning backcover 91 with housing 89, and positioning fastening means 83', designated as a compressive pin, therein. The end 87 of the pin is deformed as in the socket 15, and the assembly of socket 17 is complete.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, thereis shown one of the two bases which are utilized with the fluorescent lamp of the present invention. Base 21, substantially similar to base 21 at the opposite end of lamp 13, comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped cap member 23, an electrically insulative member 25, and at least two electrically conductive tabular members 33. Insulative member 25 is established within a retention means 24 of cap 23 and comprises a body 26 and a plu rality of protruding portions 27. These protruding portions in turn define at least two channels 29 into which portions 31 of tabular members 33 extend. As illustrated, protruding portions 27 are angled to facilitate alignment with corresponding upstanding rib members 93 of movable member 41. Substantially similar rib members 93 for aligning with the protruding portions of base 21 are shown onhousing 89 in FIG. 1. The above-described alignment is achieved when channels 29 align with ribs 93 (or 93' in socket 17) in such a manner that each of the protruding portions 27 aligns immediately adjacent thereto. Protruding portions 27 project sufficiently beyond portions 31 so that portions 31 do not engage ribs 93 but pass thereover.

As can be appreciated, the base as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is adaptable to any of the conventional commercial types of fluorescent lamps, i.e., one that is provided with a filamentary electrode disposed at each end thereof supported by lead-in wires sealed in and extending through stems at each end of the lamp envelope. Because lamps of the variety described are not novel, further description as well as pictoral representation is not felt necessary. In assembling base 21 to the lamp envelope 19, the base is advanced in proximity to an end of the lamp envelope and the lead-in wires projecting from the envelope are guided so that the ends thereof engage the retained portions 34 established within insulative member 25. The ends of the lead-in wires are then secured to portions 34 by suitable means, such as soldering or welding for example. After this connection is accomplished, base 21 is advanced further to effect a seating thereof on the ends of the lamp envelope. The base is then secured to the lamp by such means as basing cement.

In FIGS. 4-6 there are illustrated the various steps necessary for inserting lamp 13 into sockets 17 and 15 respectively. Each of these sockets is also shown in their assembled form.

In FIG. 4, base 21' of lamp 13 is initially inserted into base receiving area 51 of socket 17 by aligning channels 29 (one shown) with rib members 93' (one shown) and sliding the end of the lamp upward until protruding portion 27 and portion 31 enter the receiving area 51. Once entry is initiated, portion 31 of electrically conductive tabular member 33 immediately slidably engagessecond end 67 of contact 63. First end 65 of contact 63' is shown as engaging the electrically conductive part of a lead wire 95 which extends to a source of electrical current (not shown) to complete the circuit for the lighting assembly. A similar lead wire 95 is similarly retained in socket 15 by first end 65 of contact 63.

With reference to FIG. 5, base 21 of lamp 13 is now brought into engagement with movable member 41 of socket 15. Similar to the procedure for insertion into socket 17, the channels 29 of base 21 align with upstanding ribs 93 in order that portion 31 of the electrically conductive tabular members 33 may pass over the ribs. Engagement between base 21 and movable member 41 forces member 41 to be moved in a rotatable manner as shown in FIG. 5. This displacement of member 41 permits a direct insertion of lamp 13, thereby obviating a twisting or similar type motion in order to achieve lamp insertion. The above-described displacement is facilitated in part by rounded portions 59 of member 41 being able to slidably move within formed depressions 77 of backcover 75. At the same time, recessed portions 39 of the movable member slidably rorate about rounded portions 37 of housing member 35.

Further upward displacement of lamp l3 permits base 21 to enter base receiving area 51 wherein portions 31 of tabular members 33 engage second ends 67 of contacts 63. As illustrated in FIG. 6, complete insertion of base 21 permits movable member 41 to return to substantially the same position as that prior to lamp insertion. This return is facilitated by resilient means 55 which serves to force the lower portion of member 41 toward the lamp. This return movement of movable member 41 and the upward movement of lamp 13 produces the desired sliding or wiping" type of engagement between the contacts of sockets l5 and 17 and the tabular members in bases 21 and 21 respectively.

Thus, there has been shown and described a fluorescent lighting assembly in which a wiping or sliding type of engagement between the contacts of the sockets of the assembly and the electrically conductive portions of the lamp bases of the lamp of the assembly is achieved without a twisting or similar type motion being required to secure lamp insertion.

While there has been shown and described what is at present considered the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. What is claimed is:

l. A socket for a fluorescent lamp comprising:

a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon;

a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a base of a fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket;

a backcover member;

means for securing said backcover member to said housing member;

at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member; and

at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned substantially within said socket, each of said contacts I having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said base of said fluorescent lamp.

2. The socket according toclaim 1 wherein said housing member comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprises two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging only one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.

3. The socket according to claim I wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging said backcover member and said movable member comprising a spring.

4. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said guide means located on said movable member for engaging said base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said base of said fluorescent lamp.

5. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said housing member has lead receiving means located therein.

6. A fluorescent lamp holder assembly comprising:

a first socket comprising a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon, a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a first base of a fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said housing member, and at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned substantially within said first socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said first base of said fluorescent lamp; and

a second socket comprising a housing member having guide means located thereon for engaging a second base of said fluorescent lamp, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, and at least two pliable contacts positioned substantially within said second socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said second base of said fluorescent lamp.

7. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said housing member of said first socket comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprises two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.

8. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member comprises a spring.

9. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said guide means located on said movable member of said first socket for engaging said first base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said first base of said fluorescent lamp.

10. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said guide means located on said housing member of said second socket for engaging said second base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said second base of said fluorescent lamp.

11. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said housing member of said first socket and said housing member of said second socket each have lead receiving means located therein.

12. A fluorescent lighting assembly comprising:

a double ended electric discharge lamp having a tubular glass envelope and a pair of lamp bases, each of said lamp bases positioned on one of said ends of said lamp and comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped cap member having a retention means therein, an electrically insulative member established within said retention means of said cap member, said insulative member comprising a plurality of protruding portions defining at least two open channels therein, and at least two electrically conductive tabular members, each of said tabular members retained within said insulative member whereby a portion of each of said tabular members is positioned within one of said channels of said insulative member;

a first socket comprising a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon, a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a first of said lamp bases of said fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein adapted for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member, and

a second socket comprising a housing member having guide means located thereon for engaging a second of said lamp bases of said fluorescent lamp, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, and at least two pliable contacts positioned substantially within said second socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging one of said contacting portions of said tabular members of said second lamp base.

13. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said housing member of said first socket comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprises two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.

14. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member comprises a spring.

15. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said guide means located on said movable member of said first socket for engaging said first lamp base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging one of said channels of said insulative member of said first lamp base of said fluorescent lamp.

16. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said guide means located on said housing member of said second socket for engaging said second lamp base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging one of said channels of said insulative members of said second lamp base of said fluorescent lamp.

1?. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said housing member of said first socket and said housing member of said second socket each have lead receiving means located therein. 

1. A socket for a fluorescent lamp comprising: a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon; a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a base of a fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket; a backcover member; means for securing said backcover member to said housing member; at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member; and at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned substantially within said socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said base of said fluorescent lamp.
 2. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said housing member comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprises two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging only one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.
 3. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging said backcover member and said movable member comprising a spring.
 4. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said guide means located on said movable member for engaging said base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said base of said fluorescent lamp.
 5. The socket according to claim 1 wherein said housing member has lead receiving means located therein.
 6. A fluorescent lamp holder assembly comprising: a first socket comprising a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon, a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a first base of a fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said housing member, and at least two pliable metallic contacts positioned substantially within said first socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said first base of said fluorescent lamp; and a second socket comprising a housing member having guide means located thereon for engaging a second base of said fluorescent lamp, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, and at least two pliable contacts positioned substantially within said second socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging the electrically conductive portions of said second base of said fluorescent lamp.
 7. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said housing member of said first socket comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprIses two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.
 8. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member comprises a spring.
 9. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said guide means located on said movable member of said first socket for engaging said first base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said first base of said fluorescent lamp.
 10. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said guide means located on said housing member of said second socket for engaging said second base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging a corresponding recessed portion of said second base of said fluorescent lamp.
 11. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly according to claim 6 wherein said housing member of said first socket and said housing member of said second socket each have lead receiving means located therein.
 12. A fluorescent lighting assembly comprising: a double ended electric discharge lamp having a tubular glass envelope and a pair of lamp bases, each of said lamp bases positioned on one of said ends of said lamp and comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped cap member having a retention means therein, an electrically insulative member established within said retention means of said cap member, said insulative member comprising a plurality of protruding portions defining at least two open channels therein, and at least two electrically conductive tabular members, each of said tabular members retained within said insulative member whereby a portion of each of said tabular members is positioned within one of said channels of said insulative member; a first socket comprising a housing member having at least one upstanding substantially rounded portion thereon, a movable member having guide means located thereon for engaging a first of said lamp bases of said fluorescent lamp and at least one recessed portion therein adapted for engaging said upstanding substantially rounded portion of said housing member, said movable member adapted for being rotatably displaced with respect to said housing member during the insertion of said base of said fluorescent lamp within said socket, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, at least one resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member, and a second socket comprising a housing member having guide means located thereon for engaging a second of said lamp bases of said fluorescent lamp, a backcover member, means for securing said backcover member to said housing member, and at least two pliable contacts positioned substantially within said second socket, each of said contacts having a first end adapted for engaging a lead member and a second end adapted for engaging one of said contacting portions of said tabular members of said second lamp base.
 13. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said housing member of said first socket comprises two upstanding substantially rounded portions thereon and said movable member comprises two recessed portions therein, each of said recessed portions adapted for engaging one of said upstanding substantially rounded portions of said housing member.
 14. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said resilient means positioned substantially between and engaging only said backcover member and said movable member comprises a spring.
 15. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said guide means located on said movable member of said first socket for engaging said first lamp base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging one of said channels of said insulative member of said first lamp base of said fluorescent lamp.
 16. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said guide means located on said housing member of said second socket for engaging said second lamp base of said fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of substantially parallel aligned upstanding rib members, each of said rib members adapted for engaging one of said channels of said insulative members of said second lamp base of said fluorescent lamp.
 17. The fluorescent lighting assembly according to claim 12 wherein said housing member of said first socket and said housing member of said second socket each have lead receiving means located therein. 